Mammography: Advantages and Limitations

Abstract

Mammography, a soft tissue roentgenographic technic, is a practical method for studying the breast. Its reported accuracy of diagnosis in diseases of the breast ranges from 79 to 97 per cent in various series.

Mammography is simple to perform but requires especially modified roentgenographs equipment and interpretation of x-rays by a roentgenologist who is experienced in the procedure.

Although it is not an infallible diagnostic examination, mammography has proved valuable for studying a patient whose condition is difficult to evaluate clinically and as a supplement to traditional methods of diagnosing breast diseases.